Waterproof and shockproof smartphones. The best smartphones with IP68 protection Caterpillar Cat S40 – good parameters, weak battery

Phones that can survive being dropped on a hard surface or immersed in water can be roughly divided into two groups - specialized gadgets that look like an armored SUV, and regular models certified to a certain protection standard.

For most people looking for a waterproof smartphone, there is no point in purchasing an Outdor device. A regular phone with water protection is perfect for them; fortunately, not only flagships, but also devices in the mid-price category now boast such a feature.

Waterproof smartphones

Each such device is certified according to the IP standard, which indicates the degree of its security. The most common classes are:

• IP56 – partial protection from dust, protection from contact with water (splashes, jets);
• IP57 – partial protection from dust, maintaining operability during short-term immersion in water to a depth of no more than 1 meter;
• IP67 – complete protection against dust and short-term immersion in water;
• IP68 – complete protection against dust and water for prolonged immersion of 1 meter or more.

In this nomenclature, the first digit indicates the degree of resistance to penetration of solid objects into the housing, the second - the resistance to liquid. By “short-term” we mean immersion in water for 30 minutes, which is guaranteed not to affect the performance of the gadget.

The first waterproof smartphones were produced by SONY, after which market leaders Samsung and Apple joined the company. However, looking ahead, we will say that the moisture protection of Sony smartphones is worse than that of its competitors.

It is made using special plugs, which dry out over time and do not provide proper tightness, and the risk of accidentally closing the plug not completely and because of this, no one has canceled the gadget. Smartphones from Samsung and the latest version of the iPhone do not have such a weak point; membranes located inside the case are responsible for their sealing, which is not only more reliable, but also more practical, since when charging or connecting headphones you do not need to pull the plug out of the connector every time.

Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Both versions of the Samsung flagship are certified according to the IP68 protection standard. The fact that smartphones live up to their promises can be judged by numerous gadget tests on YouTube. For example, one of the bloggers decided to check how long a phone would last if it was continuously in water, he placed the smartphone with the camera turned on in a jar of water and went to bed, and in the morning he discovered a fully working device with a dead battery, which turned on as if nothing had happened after charging.

Also, the Galaxy S line uses special sensors that detect the presence of moisture on the contacts inside the case, and when you try to charge the device in this state, they give an error. Thus, the smartphone protects its filling from corrosion, which can cause its complete inoperability.

There is no need to talk about the characteristics of these smartphones; these are top-end flagships with a reference screen, the best camera on the market (the only competitor is Google Pixel) and the most powerful hardware. The differences between the devices lie in the shape of the case, while the more expensive Edge with a curved screen is not easy to use for everyone.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Moisture protection in Apple gadgets appeared with the release of the 7th generation iPhone, which received water resistance according to the IP67 standard. Despite the lower protection class than SGS 7, in practice the iPhone can withstand immersion in water no worse.

In the video you can see how the two flagships were first immersed in water to a depth of 1.5 meters (while the iPhone with its IP67 on paper retains its protective properties at a depth of no more than 1 m), where both devices worked without problems. Upon further diving, the first to give up was the Galaxy S7, which stopped turning on after spending 5 minutes at a depth of 10 m, while the iPhone remained operational under the same conditions, but received damage to the bottom of the screen.

Sony Xperia XZ

Xperia XZ is the latest waterproof flagship phone on the market with top-end specifications. The gadget is certified according to the maximum protection standard IP68. We have already written about the fact that SONY smartphones have a weak link in the form of plugs, but this time the company’s engineers made a flagship with internal moisture protection, leaving the above inconveniences to middle-class smartphones.

The waterproof Sony Xperia XZ smartphone is itself extremely controversial. It has quite a few advantages - cool design, powerful hardware, excellent stereo speakers and high-quality sound in headphones, a decent front camera. But this model also has many disadvantages: the smartphone heats up noticeably under load, has modest battery life and a poorly calibrated screen, and the vaunted 23 MP camera is noisy due to its excessive resolution even in good lighting. In general, we can only recommend this mobile phone to fans of the SONY brand.

Galaxy A5 and A7 (2017)

Among liquid-resistant smartphones in the mid-price category, the Galaxy A line from Samsung, namely the A5 and A7 models, looks the most attractive. These two gadgets were not chosen by chance, since the younger version of the A3 is significantly inferior to them in terms of characteristics and camera.

A series smartphones have a design similar to the company’s flagships and a high level of moisture protection according to the IP68 standard. What sets them apart from their competitors is the ability to fully use 2 SIM cards (there is a separate slot for a flash drive), a cool camera, a proprietary AMOLED display and the presence of an NFC chip that allows contactless payments. Disadvantages: not the highest performance in the class and, perhaps, a bit overpriced.

Motorola Moto G3

In the budget segment, there are practically no waterproof devices from A-brands; Moto G3 is the last of the Mohicans, since already in the recently presented 4th generation of the G line, the manufacturer decided to abandon water protection. However, at the beginning of 2017, the Moto G3, certified to the IPX7 standard (withstands immersion to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes), looks very good.

The device is powered by a Snapdragon 410 chip (1.4 GHz), has a 5’’ HD IPS screen, 8/2 GB of memory + Micro SD, and a 2470 mAh battery - competitive characteristics for a smartphone costing 8 thousand. In addition, MOTO G3 boasts a good camera, a high-quality speaker, a full-fledged slot for 2 SIMs and the ability to update the design using replaceable panels. Considering the cost, the device has no serious shortcomings.

Oukitel K6000 Pro

If you are looking for an inexpensive Chinese smartphone with a powerful battery and moisture protection, the Oukitel K6000 Pro is ideal for these requirements. The gadget is certified to the IP64 protection standard (withstands contact with splashes without consequences and does not allow dust to enter the body), and is also equipped with an impressive 6000 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of screen operation.

The K6000 Pro is also good in other respects - it is made in a metal case, has a 5.5’’ FHD IPS screen, 32/3 GB of memory and a 13/5 MP camera. The weak point is the mediocre MTK6753 processor (1.3 GHz), which generally works quickly, but sags in resource-intensive 3D games. If you are not afraid of having to order a phone from AlieExpress (unlike A-brand products, you can’t just buy Oukitel in Moscow or any other city), then the K6000 Pro can be safely recommended for purchase.

Protective case – a universal option for any smartphone

Most popular smartphone models can be made waterproof using special cases. Similar accessories are produced for new iPhone models, smartphones from Samsung and other A-brands. A case is the best option for protecting your gadget when relaxing on the beach, on a hike, or in any other pastime that increases the risk of ruining your smartphone.

A good waterproof iPhone case is the Lifeproof Free, Griffin Survivor, or Morphie Juice Pack. For Samsung Galaxy, we recommend looking at the Promate Diver and Thule Atmos cases. They cost about 3-6 thousand rubles, are bulky in size and not the most attractive in appearance, but they have not yet come up with a more effective way to protect an ordinary smartphone on an active vacation.

Shock-resistant smartphones

Many modern smartphones survive falls from moderate heights without consequences, the reason for this is the use of crack-resistant tempered Corning Gorilla Glass in their design. There are also completely indestructible smartphones (at least according to the manufacturer’s promises) of the outdoor class, which are distinguished by their deliberately massive dimensions, the presence of rubber inserts and similar security attributes.

At the same time, SUVs, at a high price, often have modest characteristics typical of ordinary smartphones that are 2-3 times cheaper. Therefore, before purchasing such a gadget, decide exactly how you will use it and why you need it at all.

Moto X Force

A unique smartphone of its kind, which, due to Corning glass, a special display design and a metal frame, is able to survive falls that would turn most outdoor phones into trash. The strength of the structure is also complemented by a back cover made of Kevlar fiber, intended for the manufacture of body armor.

In terms of characteristics, X-Force corresponds to the flagships of the beginning of last year - Snapdragon 810, AMOLED Quad HD screen with a diagonal of 5.4’’, 32/3 GB of memory + flash drives up to 2 TB, 21 and 5 MP cameras, 3760 mAh battery with support for wireless charging. We only note that although the device is shock-resistant, it does not have moisture protection.

Blackview BV6000

BV6000 is a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof (IP68 standard) phone with a powerful battery and very good hardware in its class. In addition to a very good design, as for rugged gadgets, the BV6000 boasts a Helio P10 processor, 32/3 GB of memory, an HD 4.7’’ IPS screen, 13/5 MP cameras and a thick 4500 mAh battery.

The rubberized body of the BV6000 weighs a whopping 247 grams and is 16.6 mm thick. The advantages of the smartphone also include the presence of an NFC module and, according to the manufacturer, an upcoming update to Android 7.0 Nougat. Disadvantages - weak camera and mediocre quality of the main speaker.

HOMTOM HT20

The HT20 is one of the few rugged smartphones that can be seriously considered for everyday use. This shockproof and waterproof (IP 68) phone has a relatively compact size, decent appearance and fast hardware.

On board the gadget is 16/2 GB of memory, 13/5 MP camera, 3500 battery and 4.7’’ HD IPS screen, all powered by a MediaTek MT6737 processor (1.3 GHz). There is also a fingerprint scanner and a slot for memory cards up to 64 GB. At the same time, the smartphone has an affordable price; you can buy it for 7-8 thousand rubles.

TeXet TM-4083

Texet is a domestic manufacturer of smartphones, in whose assortment secure gadgets occupy a prominent place. The TeXet TM-4083 waterproof phone meets the IP68 standard, its screen is covered with DragonTail tempered glass, and the body has a rubberized coating with a special pattern that ensures the device’s grip.

The characteristics are modest - MT6580 processor, 8/1 GB of memory + flash drives up to 32 GB, 8 and 1.3 MP cameras, 2600 mAh battery. It is the modest battery that is the main drawback of this device; otherwise, it is an excellent phone for extreme operating conditions.

Senseit R450

R450 is one of the thinnest rugged smartphones with a thickness of 12.5 mm and a nice design. The smartphone complies with IP67 protection class, has a rubberized body with a shock-resistant metal edging and mechanical buttons under the screen that allow you to take calls with gloves on, without unlocking the screen.

The device runs on pure Android 6.0, technical characteristics are comparable to the Texet discussed above, but the battery is thicker - 3000 mAh, which, together with more optimized power consumption, provides almost 30-40% better autonomy. So, with continuous video playback, screen activity is almost 12 hours.

A smartphone is a rather fragile device. Smartphones are quite easy to break, get damaged by water, or fail for other reasons. Therefore, if you need to use a smartphone in extreme conditions, then you are probably interested in rugged smartphones. There are few such devices, so choosing the optimal device is quite difficult. In this article we will look at secure smartphones that are current at the beginning of 2017.

Sony has been producing rugged smartphones for several years now. One of the newest models among rugged smartphones from Sony is the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua. This gadget is protected according to the IP68 standard. This means that it can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. One of the features of this model is the Capless USB port, which is not closed with a plug, but does not allow water to enter the device.

As for the characteristics, one is at an average level. It uses a 5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 MSM8939 chip with eight cores and a clock frequency of 1.5 gigahertz, 2 gigabytes of RAM, 16 gigabytes of internal memory, a 13 megapixel camera and a 2400 mAh battery. It should be noted that this smartphone is available in versions with one and two SIM cards.

Samsung Galaxy S5 is last year's flagship from Samsung. This model received protection from moisture and dust according to the IP67 standard, as well as technical characteristics that, even this year, remain almost top-end. Thanks to this, the Samsung Galaxy S5 can be considered one of the best rugged smartphones of 2015.

The technical characteristics of this smartphone are the highest for last year. It uses a 5.1-inch screen with FullHD resolution, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with four cores and a clock frequency of 2.5 gigahertz, a camera resolution of 16 megapixels, 2 gigabytes of RAM, 16 or 32 gigabytes of internal memory, depending on the version, and a 2800 mAh battery. This smartphone was produced in several modifications. For example, with one or two SIM cards. There is also a smaller version of the Samsung Galaxy S5 mini, which is equipped with simpler hardware, but also has protection from moisture and dust.

Xperia Z3 is last year's flagship from Sony. Like previous models from the flagship Xperia Z line, as well as many other smartphones from Sony, this model is protected from moisture and dust. In this case, protection is provided according to the IP68 standard.

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The technical characteristics of this rugged smartphone are in many ways similar to the Galaxy S5. It uses a 5.2-inch screen with FullHD resolution, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with four cores and a clock frequency of 2.5 gigahertz, 3 gigabytes of RAM, 16 gigabytes of internal memory, a 20 megapixel camera, and a 3100 mAh battery. There are modifications with one and two SIM cards, as well as a smaller version of the smartphone called Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.

Caterpillar Cat B15Q is one of the most secure smartphones of 2015. This gadget was introduced in 2014, but even now it has virtually no equal in terms of level of protection. In addition to the usual protection from dust and moisture (in this case, according to the IP67 standard), this model has a very massive body, thanks to which the smartphone can easily withstand falls from heights and impacts.

In terms of hardware, the smartphone is a very simple model. It uses a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 480 by 800 pixels, a quad-core MediaTek MT6582M chip with a clock frequency of 1.3 gigahertz, 1 gigabyte of RAM, 4 gigabytes of internal memory, a 5 megapixel camera and a 2000 mAh battery. It should also be noted that there is support for two SIM cards.

teXet X-driver TM-4104R is a 2015 secure smartphone from teXet, which is known for its inexpensive smartphones, tablets and DVRs. The X-driver TM-4104R model is a smartphone protected from dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard (as evidenced by the eloquent inscription on the device body). Also, this device has a rather massive body made of plastic and rubber, thanks to which the X-driver TM-4104R can withstand drops and shocks well.

The hardware, like the model from Caterpillar, is quite simple. It uses a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 480×800 pixels, a Qualcomm MSM8225 chip with two cores and a frequency of 1 gigahertz, a RAM capacity of 768 megabytes, a built-in memory capacity of 4 gigabytes, a camera resolution of 8 megapixels, and a battery capacity of 2500 mAh.

The main feature that Sony highlights in its flagships and some other smartphones is assigning them a degree of protection against dust and water in accordance with IP certification. In this short review we will tell you which Sony Xperia is waterproof and what degree of protection it has. With the advent of the first models with protected housings, Sony began to actively advertise this opportunity, because this distinguished smartphones from their competitors. Shooting underwater, not worrying when the phone fell into water or was spilled on it, and other life situations with liquid that could simply destroy any other phone, in the case of protected Sony Xperia models seemed like a trifle.

However, even here there are a number of limitations. Firstly, the phone should not be immersed too deeply or for a very long time, secondly, swimming in liquids other than fresh water is prohibited, and thirdly, you need to be careful to ensure that all the necessary slots are closed. The ruler tablets are also protected from water.

What do the certification numbers mean:

So, here are the waterproof Sony Xperia phones:

Sony Xperia Z5 (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z3+ (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z3 (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z2 (IP55/IP58)

Sony Xperia Z1 (IP55/IP58)

Sony Xperia Z1 Comapct (IP55/IP58)

Sony Xperia Z Ultra (IP55 / IP58)

Sony Xperia M5 (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia M2 Aqua (IP65/68)

Sony Xperia Z (IP55/IP57)

Sony Xperia ZR (IP55 / IP58)

In the latest flagship Z5 line, as they say, “out of harm’s way,” Sony did not so clearly describe the protective properties of the models’ bodies, saying only that they have a degree of protection and this can help you out in different situations.

However, it is not uncommon for owners of waterproof Xperia models to drown their smartphones. Why did my Xperia drown? Causes:

• Failure to comply with operating rules
• Possible marriage.
• The plugs are not closed.
• The plugs simply dried out/were worn out and do not provide proper tightness.
• The phone was dropped, after which damage could appear that is not visible to the eye, but affects the sealing properties.
• The glass has peeled off a little.

In contact with

The Sony Xperia X Compact smartphone in the SO-02J version for Japan received double protection, while the global version does not have official confirmation of water resistance. This device is equipped with a 23-megapixel camera, supports 0.25 Terabyte memory cards and has an emergency power saving function.

The Sony Xperia X Compact SO-02J model complies with IP65 and IP68 standards. These designations indicate that the smartphone is absolutely dust-proof, can withstand immersion to a depth of two meters for an hour and can be used in pouring rain without additional accessories - protective covers and cases.

The hardware basis of the product is a 6-core microprocessor, divided into two clusters (2 cores at 1.8 GHz and 4 cores at 1.4 GHz). The system memory received 3 GB, permanent memory - 32 GB, the expansion slot accepts MicroSD cards up to 256 GB. Management is carried out in the Android 6.0 operating environment. The 4.6-inch display with HD resolution and backlight is protected by Gorilla Glass 4.

The rear camera is equipped with a 23 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, AF, image stabilization and geotagging, while the main camera is equipped with a 5.1 MP sensor. Wireless technologies are represented by Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi modules with modem function and the ability to link up to 10 devices. From wired interfaces, it is known that there is a USB Type-C port.

The user has at his disposal a biometric sensor and a battery with an energy-saving function with a capacity of 2700 mAh and support for Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology. The dimensions of the smartphone are 9.5 x 65 x 129 mm and weighs 135 grams. The device is currently intended only for the NTT DoCoMo operator and will go on sale next month.

Product Page:
sonymobile.co.jp/xperia/docomo/so-02j/

Almost all flagship smartphones that have appeared on the market over the past few years are equipped with dust and moisture protection according to the IP68 standard.

Thanks to the presence of this function, you don’t have to worry about your gadget getting wet in the rain or falling into the bathtub. Devices with IP68 are completely protected from moisture getting inside. The IP68 standard assumes that the smartphone can be submerged under water to a depth of 1-2 meters, it is protected from falls, and can also work under water for some time. It is worth noting that the service life of such devices is quite long.

We have created a list of the best IP68 smartphones that entered the market in 2017-2018. Our rating list includes devices from global manufacturers, the quality of which you can be sure of. We also note that they all received the usual design without the usual Chinese protective elements in the form of metal inserts and rubber plugs.

Samsung

Let's start with one of the most popular gadget manufacturers in the world. The South Korean company deservedly occupies a leading position in the market and offers the following smartphones with IP68 protection:

• Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+;
• Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ (benefits in detail);
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8;
• Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F.

All devices on this list with the exception of the Galaxy A5 (2017) are flagship models, although this device from the mid-price segment can satisfy the needs of many users. It has a stylish appearance, quite powerful technical characteristics and the most affordable price in the list above.

The Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9 and Note 8 lines are equipped with top-end specifications and attractive designs. They stand out among competitors due to their proprietary frameless display and excellent cameras.

Sony

The Japanese company has recently released only flagship smartphones with protection from water and dust - the Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ2 lines. Both series meet IP68 standards. At the same time, the manufacturer prohibits immersing the device in water, but allows rain to get on the gadget and wash it under the tap.

• Sony Xperia XZ1;
• Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact;
• Sony Xperia XZ1 Dual;
• Sony Xperia XZ2;
• Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact.

Google

The new generation of Google flagships is also equipped with a stylish design, user-friendly interface and a powerful camera. At one time, DxOMark experts awarded the Google Pixel 2 XL 98 points, which was then the highest result. Thus, the smartphone took first place in the camera rating. Both modifications are equipped with powerful hardware. We note the excellent optimization of Android, decent battery life and high quality materials and workmanship.

• Google Pixel 2;
• Google Pixel 2 XL ().

LG

The manufacturer is also not very pleased with the number of protected smartphones. Only the basic version of the LG G6 and the Plus version of the same device are equipped with IP68 protection. Both gadgets are equipped with powerful technical characteristics, stylish design and support for fast charging technology. A nice bonus is the inclusion of headphones with high-quality sound.

• LG G6;
• LG G6+.

Huawei

There is currently only one device available on the market from this manufacturer - the flagship Huawei Mate 10 Porsche Design. This is a luxury edition of the acclaimed flagship Huawei Mate 10, which has a special design, a huge frameless OLED display, a powerful proprietary processor, a 4000 mAh battery and 256 GB of memory. The gadget is available in only one color - gloss black.